10 ZOOPHYTES. 



parts, by the incorporation of matter derived from the parent, and that 

 through the medium of what constitutes the other substance of the ovum. 

 But how the spark is kindled, and especially how life is instituted in what 

 is derived from androgynous beings, — as well as where Nature has deter- 

 mined different sexes, is wrapped in impenetrable mystery.* 



The transparence incident to originating beings, denoting extreme 

 tenuity, gradually diminishes as their rudimentary organization expands 

 and consolidates. Whence, an embryo next recognised in advance to a 

 foetus is seen under definite form, and the foetus is at length ushered into 

 independent life. 



But were it not for other conditions, apparently more depending on 

 chance than arrangement, life shall never glow, nor can maturity follow ; 

 and these affect the largest, the most valuable, and most important pro- 

 ducts of Nature equally with those deemed utterly insignificant by the 

 mass of mankind. 



Though the elementary germ be susceptible of impregnation, or al- 

 though by germination it may unfold as a bud bursting from the parent, 

 unless for a certain degree of temperature evolution cannot ensue. Heat 

 is a positive condition : it is indispensable for its organization acquiring 

 sufficient capacity for nutrition, and the consequent benefit. 



Should the progeny be considered an ovum on expulsion, instead of an 

 embryo or foetus, that state is very transient, for it resolves almost imme- 

 diately into another form by the evolution of other parts. If casually re- 

 tained in the cyst, its expulsion as a foetus quickly follows. 



All regenerated portions of the adult are at first invested by a trans- 

 parent spath ; nor is it improbable that some delicate amnios surrounds the 

 organic substance expelled from the cyst, whose presence is disguised by 

 excessive tenuity. 



Nothino- can be more remarkable to the spectator than finding the 

 progeny free, while the parent is immoveably rooted — sufficient evidence 

 that thereis nothing of vegetable nature in such zoophytes. It is as strictly 



* I am not ignorant of what is a modified theory of older date, much insisted in of 



late, that a minute creature, whose parts elude human observation, finds a nidus in the 



ovum, and thence becomes the real source of future increment and organic vitality, — also 

 that a being reputed androgynous may fructify itself. 



